Chapter 24
My Mute Bride
My Mute Bride Chapter 24 After returning from the Burton Residence, Amber was on cloud nine.
Upon entering through her house door, she was immediately called out by Jefferey. âWhere have you been, Amber?â
Since Amber had just set foot into the house and hadnât noticed her father sitting on the couch, she was taken aback by his voice. â⦠I went to the Burton Residence⦠You wanted me to get close to Justin, right?â
âFoolery!â After smacking his hand against the table, her father sprung up from his seat. âI asked for you to get close to the family, not fool around as you wish! Explain the news to me.â
She asked guiltily, âWhat news? I-Iâve got no idea.â
âAs if!â Jefferey was utterly vexed as he said, âYouâre my daughter, and Iâll never allow you to be married to such a rascal like Justin Burton. Youâve seen what heâs capable of, and heâs a bone-deep schemer!â
After having countless exchanges with Justin, Jefferey had long figured out that the former was a man who never let his actions be limited by moral boundaries. Otherwise, Jefferey wouldnât have taken the risk of offending the man by sending Rachel over as a substitute spouse.
On the other hand, Amber, who had a different opinion, saw a slight relief of tension on her fatherâs face and immediately took the opportunity to grab his arm. As she tried to charm her father, she expressed, âDonât worry, Dad. In truth, Justin treats me very well. Earlier today, he even gave Rachel a good scolding right in front of me, believing whatever I told him! From what I see, thereâs no point letting Rachel stay in the Burton Family.â
Gradually, she revealed everything that had taken place in the Burton Residence earlier. Of course, it was filled with twists of her own.
The more Jefferey listened, the uneasier he grew. âListen to me, Amber-Justin is no simple man.
Do you think he hasnât seen through your subtle gestures?â
For a man who dwelled so deep in the business world, Justin had certainly witnessed every plot that could happen. Thus, how could he possibly fall for mere tricks of a simple-minded girl?
âJeez, Dad, donât worry! I promise Iâll get married into the Burton Family, and by then, Justin would surely help with our business.â
âAmber!â Jefferey was outraged, and he revealed a glaring gaze as he rebuked, âThis will be my last warning! I wonât allow you to proceed with this fantasy of yours. If you still insist on it, Iâll send you out of the country to continue your studies at once, and youâll no longer have to even think about Julian.â
Amber dumbfoundedly stared at her fatherâs stern look and quickly swallowed up the words she was about to speak as a smirk froze on her face. It was not until she finally regained her senses that she nodded her head, agreeing to her fatherâs words.
Upon seeing his daughter so dispirited, Jefferey felt slightly sympathetic and patiently stated, âIâm only deciding this for your sake. Donât be mad, okay? Go get some rest now. Justinâs coming to visit in the morning.â
âJustinâs coming to our place?â Amberâs eyes instantly twinkled.
Is he coming because he knows Iâm hurt?
The next second, her fatherâs words shattered her dreams. âIf Rachel was indeed of no use, she wouldâve returned without her husband.â
âReturn? Rachelâs coming back as well?â
âOf course,â said Jefferey. He then warned, âIâve already told you everything I should, Amber. Please end everything you have going on with Justin, and do not cause any trouble tomorrow.â
Although Amber was dissatisfied, she didnât dare to show her objection to her father.
In her mind, Rachel wasnât even competition, so Justin had to be coming for her.
As for Julian, she had already formed a plan to bait him.
These men will surely fall under my grasp!
The next morning, Justin brought Rachel back to the Hudson Family.
In the living room were gifts of all shapes and sizes, which left the servants of the family peering in confusion.
Isnât Miss Rachel said to be completely worthless in the Burton Family, even more so than the servants there?
Besides, the man was supposed to be hideous according to the rumors, but that wasnât the case at all.
Despite the scar on his face, his appearance was impeccable. Instead, the scar had proven to be a boost to his masculinity.
Upon seeing this, Amber was drenched in envy as she saltily uttered, âWow, Justin, youâre so nice to Rachel. Sheâs very fortunate to have entered the Burton Family!â
âItâs Mr. Justin for you, Amber.â Jefferey shot her daughter a warning leer.
âMr. Hudson.â Justin lifted his commissures and greeted, âThese are some simple gifts Iâve prepared for you, including a couple of presents specifically chosen for the both of you since itâs our first time meeting.â
Upon those words, Amberâs eyes instantly glistened. âThereâs a present for me too?â
With that, Justin glanced at Rachel.
Upon recognizing the signal, she handed a bag that she had been holding on to Amber.
Justin had given her the bag before they came down from the car, and she didnât know what was inside it either.
Without showing any courteousness, Amber tore the gift open and quickly cried, âThis is the necklace that Iâve been dreaming of! How did you know, Justin?â
In the bag was Tiffanyâs newest release. Evidently, the amulet was very pricey, and it was highlighted by the diamonds glowing underneath the sunlight.
At that, Rachel was also stunned.
Although Justin had always been a generous man, for him to give his sister-in-law such a lavish item on their first official meeting was quite the surprise.
Jefferey felt awkward by this and said, âThatâs too expensive for a gift. Return the gift, Amber!â
âIt isnât much, Mr. Hudson-itâs merely a necklace,â Justin replied in a calm voice. All of a sudden, he grabbed Rachelâs hand and said, âAfter all, itâs a gift personally selected by a sister to another, isnât it?â
When Justin clutched her hand, she felt a chilly sensation on her back while looking at his inexplicable grin.
Hesitantly, she nodded her head.
Meanwhile, Amber was certain that Rachel wasnât the one who had picked the necklace, and it was solely an excuse to confuse Jefferey while allowing Amber to receive the gift. After bearing that thought in mind, she was exhilarated.
For a while, the group had a casual chat.
In the meantime, Rachel was silently peeling some fruits at the side. Just as she was about to bring the apples to Justin, Amber suddenly said, âItâs your first time here, Justin, so let me show you around!â
âAmberâ¦â
âJeez, Dad, youâre always talking about business during family moments. Thatâs so boring! Iâm showing Justin around.â
As she spoke, she separated both of their hands and pulled Justin away before Jefferey could say anything else.
After withdrawing his vision from the duo, the father turned to Rachel with a cold gaze and interrogated, âDid you buy the necklace?â
Rachel put the plate of peeled apples down and nodded her head.
âYou must catch him fast before he develops any intentions toward Amber.â
Rachel remained silent for a while before she signaled something. Amber has feelings for Justin.
Thereâs nothing I can do if she were to approach him actively.
âSheâs still an immature young lady. Are you going to let her do as she wishes?â Jefferey angrily stared at her. âNo matter what, youâre still her sister. Are you going to watch as she walks herself into the fire?â
Upon hearing that, Rachel felt a stab in her heart.
Amber and Rachel were only one year apart, yet her younger sister was the one to receive all the love from their father while she was unhesitantly shoved into the hell that was the Burton Family. Not only that, she was even guilt-tripped to continue doing so.
My sister?Other than to put on a facade, when had she ever called me her sister?
âYou still owe me an explanation for the mess-up with the documents previously. Youâd better fulfill your orders this time.â
Upon hearing those words, Rachelâs heart skipped a beat.
What does he want me to do right now?
She didnât have the courage to anger Justin anymore.
Out of the blue, Jeffereyâs tone turned gentle. âRachel, youâre my daughter regardless of what happens.
It pains me to see you getting mistreated in the Burton Family, so Iâll surely give you a solid spot in the family.â
After listening to her father, Rachel was stupefied.
Jefferey looked at her and handed Rachel a miniature paper bag. âAs long as you bear his child.â